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A large scale methamphetamine trafficking operation described by prosecutors as a “family affair” was recently busted by authorities in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

The joint effort between the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency and various local police departments netted nearly three dozen arrests, according to a press release put out Tuesday by the Montco D.A. Risa Vetri Ferman.

The alleged drug ring was foiled thanks to the use of three weeks of wiretaps and electronic surveillance on the cell phones of suspects Frank Messina of Hatfield and Troy Dudas of Schwenksville, according to the D.A.

After the surveillance, 14 search warrants were executed on various locations including Cosmo Motors auto-body shop on E Blaine Street in Lansdale. At Cosmos, authorities say they uncovered meth, drug paraphernalia and firearms.

Detectives discovered the structure of the organization consisting of meth distributers, users, and pushers. This methamphetamine trafficking organization was exposed as a “family affair.” Among the main targets are brothers Jeffrey and David Penna who used and distributed methamphetamine from Jeffrey Penna’s residence in Hatfield Township. The Penna brothers were joined by Frank Messina in this distribution network. Messina used and distributed methamphetamine to several people including his own sister-in-law Lisa Messina. Conversations between Frank and Lisa Messina were intercepted by law enforcement detailing their method of operation in the distribution and use of this powerful drug. This investigation also revealed links to a Philadelphia methamphetamine distribution ring headed by brothers Juan and Antonio Encarnacion. These networks continued to operate until they were shut down by Montgomery County law enforcement.

In total 32 people were arrested. All the suspects were arraigned from May 2 to 4 in Montgomeryville.